MEMORISE: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
BIBLE READING: Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
MESSAGE:
Yesterday, I emphasised the need to steer clear of premarital sex as well as dating married people. Today, I will go a step further to explain how a child of God can overcome lustful feelings for the opposite Sex.
First, such a Christian must be determined to stop lusting after the opposite sex. Just like Joseph determined not to fall for the sexual advances of Potiphar’s wife, he or she must also take a stand. However, such a person has to surrender completely to Jesus Christ to be able to do this. Joseph was able to make the decision not to sin against God because He had an intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, a Christian who wants to overcome lustful feelings must cultivate a rich relationship with God.
Sin, especially sexual sins, thrives in secrecy. This is why those who engage in sexual sins often do so in secret. Hence, the second step that a Christian who wants to overcome lustful feelings for the opposite sex must take is to open up to a trusted spiritual elder who can guide, monitor, and pray for him or her.
Thirdly, such a Christian must limit interaction with the member(s) of the opposite sex that he or she is having lustful thoughts about to the barest minimum. He or she must also avoid every sound, image, or object that brings about lustful desires. If you are struggling with lustful feelings for the opposite sex, I pray that you will be delivered, in Jesus’ name.
KEY POINT:
Cultivating an intimate relationship with God can help a Christian overcome lustful desires for the opposite sex.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Chronicles 7:1-8;40, Acts 27:1-20